Here's a look at eight notable prospects to watch at the World Championship D1A tournament, paced by a talented young Slovakian squad.
Here's a look at eight notable prospects to watch at the World Championship D1A tournament, paced by a talented young Slovakian squad.
The next generation is arriving this season at the World Championship Division 1A tournament with several nations undergoing significant youth movements.
Leading the way is Slovakia who will roster eight teenagers, including a few of the best young prospects in Europe. Here's a look at eight notable prospects to watch at the World Championship D1A tournament:
Ema Tothova, 2007, Slovakia - The big forward scored more than a point per game for Slovakia at the U-18 World Championships, but she's not ready to take her game to the senior national level. As the youngest player on Slovakia, Tothova is central to the nations future. She uses her five-foot-ten frame to win battles, but also has soft hands around the net.
Zuzana Dobiasova, 2005, Slovakia - She ran flank to Nela Lopusanova at the U-18 tournament last year scoring five goals in five games for Slovakia serving as team captain. Dobiasova will return to SKP Bratislava in the EWHL this season, but is a likely candidate to head to Sweden or the NCAA in the near future.
Tatiana Blichova, 2006, Slovakia - She spent time this season playing boys' hockey at the U-16 and U-18 levels in Slovakia to challenge her game. In Slovakia's women's league, Blichova was too good, scoring 38 goals and 77 points in only 16 games. She was an assistant captain at last year's U-18 World Championship, and alongside Tothova and Lopusanova will form a three-headed monster for opponents to deal with this year.
Emily Olsthoorn, 2007, Netherlands - Playing in North America with the Anaheim Lady Ducks U-16 team, Olsthoorn racked up 21 goals and 28 points in 41 games. She also tallied six points in five games for the Netherlands at the U-18 D2A Worlds. As a first year eligible player for the senior Worlds, Olsthoorn will be one to watch.
Danique Koghee, 2006, Netherlands - The five-foot-nine defender came to North America full time last season with the Madison Capitals U-16 'AAA' team. She had played a handful of games with the team the year prior and will step up to the U-19 roster this season. Having twice served as an assistant captain for the Netherlands at the U-18 Worlds, Koghee is making her senior national team debut.
Grace Zhan, 2006, China - One of the best netminders in US high school hockey last year, Zhan posted a 20-4-1 record with 10 shutouts, a .948 save percentage, and 1.23 goals against average for Hill-Murray School in Minnesota. She's already committed to play NCAA hockey for Dartmouth beginning in 2024-2025. Behind Tia Chan, Zhan gives China a formidable one-two punch in net.
Frederikke Foss, 2005, Denmark - After scoring 18 goals and 30 points in 23 games last season for Worcester Academy, Foss is moving on this season to play for Shattuck St. Mary's. Foss is committed to play NCAA hockey for main.
Emma Hofbauer, 2004, Austria - It's hard to call Hofbauer a prospect, having already represented Austria at one World Championship, but the standout from Shattuck St. Mary's last year where she scored 35 points in 47 games will be counted on to take a more cental role for Austria, especially given the absence of Theresa Schafzahl. Hofbauer is scheduled to play for AIK in the SDHL this year. After the SDHL, Hofbauer will head to Providence in the NCAA.
Others To Watch: Jiaxin Wang (2006, China), Sijia Wu (2007, China), Silja Rasmussen (2007, Denmark), Anna Billa (2006, Austria), Tamina Schall (2005, Austria), Leonie Kutzer (2005, Austria)